COMANCHE CANCELLED

**bricktop2982** · 02-23-2004, 01:09 PM

I just read that the comanche program has been terminated by the pentagon, they didnt really give a clear reason, only talking about how they put 8 billion into the project so far, and how they have to pay 2 billion in contract termination fees. Oh well, i guess we'll see the raptor go next.

**newguy** · 02-23-2004, 01:16 PM

Yep read that too...was actually shocked that they did this, but then again..That thing has been on the drawing boards for some time and really nothing has come out of it,except a couple of test vehicles. The commanch program started in 1983 and still no production helicopters...Thats 21 years this thing has been in design and only recently testing..(recently meaning a few years) Got to cut your losses eventually. It's a shame to see it go.

**Daniac** · 02-23-2004, 02:47 PM

Wow! Not that this wasn't expectable, but it is a cool helicopter...oh well, we still have the games, right ;)

-Daniel

**davidd** · 02-23-2004, 04:10 PM

The program has been around too long without any production aircraft yet available.

This was basically a 20 year R&D program that was very expensive to keep alive without production results.

We will use what we learned to develop the next generation helicopter.

In the mean time, the Apache-D does the job well. Look at the Marines. They are still using 1st generation airframes (Cobras) as
their primary attack helicopter.

**jboweruk** · 02-23-2004, 05:10 PM

Does anyone know if they got the problems with the AH64D sorted out? Ya know the way it shot itself down if firing from a particular wing?

**J_Stewart** · 02-23-2004, 05:27 PM

I wonder if they'll let me buy one of the prototypes? :D

**newguy** · 02-23-2004, 05:29 PM

if they did we would probably be the last to know about it.

**Tabs** · 02-23-2004, 08:29 PM

I really hope they don't cancel the F-22 next - the F-15 can't remain the frontline fighter for another 20+ years, it's just getting too old. I wouldn't want to fly into battle in a plane that's 10+ years older than I am!

Ryan

**Chummy** · 02-23-2004, 11:41 PM

The Pentagon in cancelling the Comanche project is shifting from fighting in a Cold War-scenario to that type of battle which is more expected today.

**newguy** · 02-23-2004, 11:48 PM

ryan,
How is the F-15 too old? Would you mind telling that to the A6 and Buff drivers out there? F-15 can easily be a viable platform many years forward, with avionics and powerplant upgrades.